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Monday, June 01, 2009

Blue Hole

This past Saturday my family and I were on a hike in Hells Canyon, Oregon. The hike started off innocent enough meandering along a rushing stream through a forest. A lady had said the hike would be two miles to the Blue Hole and of course two miles back. About a mile into the hike we came to a stream that went over our trail. We would have to go across a log to get to the other side. Now I don't really like this kind of thing but being a good sport I went across. We had three more water crossings so I thought that was enough challenge for me. We could tell we were getting closer to the Blue Hole by the soundof rushing water but the trail was getting a little more tricky. As I looked ahead, I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to proceed. It looked a little scary. My mind raced with what ifs in regard to myself and my children. What if someone slipped? What if someone was hurt? My DH noticed my reluctance and tried to reassure me that it would be okay. I still wasn't quite so sure. He then asked me if I trusted him. I wanted to tell him yes but I hesitated. My DH does a great job of keeping us safe and making wise choices on our hikes. I had no reason not to trust but my mind was overwhelmed with my fears. I admitted I did trust him a little but it was hard. Gulping down my fears, we proceed. My children had no fear. They simply followed trusting their guide. I tried to do the same. I found the trail to not be as scary as I had feared. I soon relaxed and began to enjoy the adventure and the view. After a few more minutes of hiking, we came to the Blue Hole, an area of rushing water where salmon can get trapped. It was beautiful and well worth overcoming my fears. God has a trail each of us are to follow. Sometimes the way is easy just like strolling by a stream and through fields of wild flowers. Other times there are streams and other obstacles we must overcome. As we navigate through what God has for us, our faith grows and we learn to trust when things get hard. Still there are times when we look ahead and we freeze. The path ahead is unknown. It looks scary. Our mind is full of worries real and imagined. God asks us as my DH did, "Do you trust me?" Do I trust Him? The obvious answer is yes. How can you not trust God? But you hesitate. You want to believe and even voice your concern. It is then that God takes us by the hand and leads us through the unknown proving his faithfulness once again. The days ahead for us are full of the unknown. At this time, I am not fearful but am able to trust in God who has seen us through thus far. Yet I know myself and know I will be faced with the question of "do you trust me?" again and again. In those unknown situations I hope to cling to the promise found in Isaiah 43:2. " When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Dear God, Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for loving me and taking me by the hand even when I doubt. May I remember perfect peace is found only in trusting you. Amen